Hey Catherines! It’s Catherine!

I remember very vividly the moment when I first saw a Catherines Plus store. I was around 12 years old and was pulling up to a gas station by the mall with my mom to get some gas. I was in the back and my middle sister was in the front. As we pulled up my mom and sister commented, “look! a store named Catherines, what are the odds!” (my name is Catherine, just in case you didn’t catch that). As I turned my head to look out the window I saw the word, Plus Size, next to it. My response was, “what does Plus Size mean?”

Photo Credit Nehal Ismail

Well, ladies and gents who knew that moment would eventually lead me to becoming a fashion & lifestyle blogger/influencer who was invited to attend the pre-opening party of the Catherines Plus Store in Capitol Heights, Maryland!

I probably need to remind you that I have not been into a Catherines in several years so when I got invited I was super pumped to see how far they have come along in terms of their selection. Let me tell you guys…it was awesome! Catherines has really turned it up a notch in terms of the vibe of their collection. They had leather jackets & skirts, suede heeled booties, choker necklaces, oh and a cute selection of athleisure wear.

So here are some of the pieces that I tried on in store that I am obsessing about:

Curvy Collection Cascade Dress– I was in love with the fit on this dress because it gives amazing shape to your curves, but it is still work appropriate. Pair with a blazer and heels during the day and at night a black leather moto jacket and ankle booties.

Floral Trellis Cascade– Now on the hanger you may have a different opinion about this kimono-esque look, but once you put it on you will feel completely different! I loved how it was more fitted around the arms and was not too flowy. Paired with a simple black slip dress and booties then this is a perfect date night look or keep it simple with jeans, a basic black tank, and high leather boots.

Black Label Colorblock Moto Jacket– Now the camel color is so in this season which I am obsessed with. What I love about this specific jacket is that it can pass as office appropriate since it almost has the fit of a blazer or can be worn after 5 or on the weekends and still look spicy since there is a bit of leather detail. I usually have issues with the fit in the shoulders, but I was feeling totally comfortable!

Good Soles Metallic Bootie– Now I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of shoes Catherines carries in store. They had high leather boots, mules, open toed booties, slip ons, and of course my favorite is these metallic silver heeled boots! Now do not be intimated by that little heel, they are so comfortable and easy to walk in.

It truly amazes me how far plus fashion has come. The days of trying to navigate through the plus selection at stores consisting of oversized basic tees, pants that ballooned out with no fit, and dresses that basically looked like you were wearing a bag and not even a cute recyclable one for that matter are starting to be a thought of the past. Now hurry up and get over to your local Catherines to check out their fall collection or if you are local to the DMV the one in Capitol Heights, MD that just opened!